Sena-MNS merger not possible: Joshi

Replying to a query on whether both parties should come together at this stage,Joshi said,All Marathi parties should come together for Marathi people. Joshi,however,added that the MNS would not influence Maharashtrian votes this time.

For Sena rebels in the polls fray,Joshi gave another chance,and a warning. Rebels can still join us. The date for withdrawal of nominations is over but rebels can issue letters in support for Sena candidates. If they do not,I will request Uddhav not to allow them back into the party even if they win the polls, he said.

Joshi also admitted that the Sena had failed to retain the trust of Dalit voters. We tried to bring Shiv Shakti and Bhimshakti together,but they do not believe us. When they start thinking that we care for them,they will certainly join us. It will take some time, he said.

Joshi claimed that the party had identified the problems that led to its less-than-expected Lok Sabha show and plugged the loopholes to avoid a repeat in the Assembly polls.